desert Archives

November 7, 2024

The land before time: Desert Rhino Camp

Explore the vast, rugged beauty of Damaraland at Desert Rhino Camp, where ancient landscapes meet conservation efforts to protect the last free-roaming desert-adapted black rhinos. Experience the camp's meticulous design and comfort, guided by expert trackers through an untouched wilderness. Journey into a timeless land where rare wildlife and local communities converge, celebrating a deep connection with nature that resonates across generations.

November 8, 2024

Desert Reverie

This is a magical land – the colours, the softness of the dunes and the almost ethereal backdrop that appears to be painted on the horizon for dramatic effect. It is exquisite, and it seems unreal. There is so much to marvel at that one’s worries seem to melt away in the sunlight. What once seemed insurmountable now seems petty, and you find yourself zoning out at the sight of space and beauty all around.

November 11, 2024

Running Wild

In the canvas of Namibia's rugged landscapes, where nature paints with bold strokes, running transcends mere physical activity to become an odyssey of exploration, solitude, and exhilaration. As adventure travel burgeons, demanding immersive experiences, Namibia stands as an unparalleled playground for those seeking to connect with nature on a profound level. It goes beyond conventional sightseeing and allows individuals to connect with nature on a deeper level, fostering a sense of appreciation and respect for the environment. One of the purest forms of adventure travel is found in the trails that dot the varying terrain of Namibia. Here you will find that the allure lies in the opportunity to explore unknown territories.

November 14, 2024

Sand, sea and seals: a coastal Safari

Sequins on the sea, sparkling in the sun while seals moan like disgruntled teenagers – whom, we all joke, could use a lesson in gratitude – what is there to complain about? It’s a perfect day; we're seated beside crystal- clear waters, savouring crayfish braaied over an open flame on the beach, following a morning of water-based adventures. And we’re only halfway through our day of enjoyment. Kirsty Watermeyer goes on an unexpected safari along Namibia's Atlantic Coast.

December 2, 2024

Friends gone fishin’

On a fishing expedition to Meob Bay along Namibia’s southern coastline, Theuns Laubscher and a group of friends discovered the wonders of the vast Namib Sand Sea, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. Led by concession guides through the ancient sands and along the skeleton-strewn coast, the group discovered the delicate balance of catch-and-release angling, the thrill of off-road convoys, and the unfiltered camaraderie forged around campfires under an endless sky. This story is not just about fishing; it is about adventure, resilience and the quiet marvels of the Namib, and that magical place where the desert meets the sea.

December 2, 2024

Taking the scenic route

What touches your soul? What intrigues you? What allows you to unleash the spirit of adventure? Taking a moment to savour the things you love is one of the greatest pleasures of a self-drive exploration adventure. Every road you travel is filled with surprises – captivating people, fascinating stories and intriguing places just waiting to be discovered. This was Kirsty Watermeyer's experience while travelling through southern Namibia.

December 4, 2024

Reviving Kolmanskop

The creak of near-century-old wood floors gives way, one careful foot in front of the other. By impulse, voices are brought to a whisper. A relentless wind sandblasts what is left of the windows as another grain of sand finds its way to the corner of an abandoned house, joining the dune that occupies an old living room. Between silent observation and the occasional outburst of awe, the sounds of these haunted, empty halls are only a whistle formed by the wind. Or is it a ghost?

December 21, 2024

Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours

If you’re visiting Swakopmund, Namibia’s coastal gem, and looking for a unique way to explore the region, Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours offers an unforgettable experience. Having recently gone on their "Up-close Living Desert Tour", I can say with confidence that their tours perfectly blend adventure, eco- consciousness, and exploration. This 3.5-hour journey, taken on a fat bike, allows you to discover the hidden beauty and biodiversity of the oldest desert in the world— an adventure I found both enlightening and exciting.

December 21, 2024

The Stonemen

Flint and friends in Kaokoland is a spellbinding journey into the heart of Namibia’s remote and mystical Kaokoland, where the lines between reality and legend blur against the backdrop of vast desert landscapes. Authored by Ron Swilling, who skillfully narrates the story as told to her, this book delves into the adventures of Flint Firestone as he navigates through the wilds of Kaokoland, meeting an array of mysterious stone figures – each with their own story to tell. The creator of these enigmatic Stonemen remains anonymous, adding an extra layer of mystery to this compelling narrative.

March 4, 2025

Discover Southern Namibia

In the cool stillness of the early morning, I stood at the edge of the Fish River Canyon, the world awakening around me in shades of gold and amber. The crisp air carried the faint scent of morning mist, and as the first light stretched across the canyon’s rugged expanse, it was as if the earth itself exhaled, revealing its ancient secrets. Plum and lilac purple hues swathed the landscape before me. Below, the winding river shimmered like a silver thread, its course carved over millennia – a testament to time and the raw power of nature.

March 6, 2025

The desert symphony

As I gaze upon the land from a distance, the vastness of the Namib stretches out endlessly before me. Up close, the landscape is an amalgamation of gravelly sand, tufts of dried grass and the stark silhouettes of blackened mountains. Somehow, these simple elements of nature harmonise in perfect balance. It is in the seamless orchestration of all these elements that the beauty is found. Much like a symphony where each note finds its place in a greater whole. In the desert, every individual detail is crucial to the song it sings collectively.

March 10, 2025

Discover the Skeleton Coast & Kunene Region

In the cool, salty air of dawn, I stood on the windswept shores of the Skeleton Coast, the Atlantic waves crashing against the jagged remains of an ancient shipwreck. The rusted frame of the vessel stood defiant, a reminder of the treacherous waters that have claimed countless sailors over the centuries. Beyond the beach, the vast Namib Desert stretched into the horizon.

March 25, 2025

A quick guide to the South

Southern Namibia is a land of striking contrasts, where vast deserts meet rugged coastlines, and history whispers from the ruins of once-thriving towns. From the hauntingly beautiful ghost town of Kolmanskop to the windswept shores of Lüderitz, the breathtaking depths of Fish River Canyon, and the untouched wilderness of Tsau //Khaeb National Park, this region offers a journey through time and nature unlike any other. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of towering dunes, rich biodiversity, or tales of diamond-fueled dreams, the south invites you to explore its captivating landscapes and uncover its hidden stories.

March 25, 2025

A Place of Legends, Bones & Myths

In the land where time appears to slow down, where the sea meets the sandy touch of desert dunes, lies the Skeleton Coast. It is a place both feared and revered, whose name conjures images of ancient mysteries, dramatic shipwrecks and the eerie howling of the wind. Ever since my first visit, I have been captivated by its haunting beauty. As I explored the land, a deep curiosity grew within me – a love I was surprised to discover.

March 26, 2025

Namibia’s Rhino Frontier

I will never forget my first visit to Damaraland. In a sturdy, built-up Land Rover called Kangombe, we arrived at the camp well after sunset. Dinner was a boisterous affair. The camp staff sang around a campfire, and our guide sat with all the other guests at a long family-style dinner table, sharing tales of adventures in this rugged corner of the country.